Hosni Mubarak-era PM asked to lead Egyptian Cabinet

Cairo: Egyptian state television says the nation's ruling military has asked a Mubarak-era prime minister to head the next government.

Kamal el-Ganzouri, 78, served as prime minister in the 1990s under President Hosni Mubarak, toppled in a popular uprising in February. The Friday television announcement followed a meeting between el-Ganzouri and military ruler Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi the night before.

El-Ganzouri will replace Essam Sharaf, who resigned this week amid deadly clashes between police and protesters calling for the military to immediately step down.

Kamal el-Ganzouri, 78, served as prime minister in the 1990s under President Hosni Mubarak.